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DocM 10,296

A small bouquet of dandelions lay on the front porch of the two-story home.

It was placed there by a 5-year-old girl who lives across the street, a small tribute to the man who lived there and died this morning serving his community.

Brian Woehlke, 29, was just 10 months into his dream job as a Wayne-Westland firefighter when he was killed after a roof collapsed on him during a fire at a strip mall. He was the first firefighter killed in the line of duty in the Westland department?s 47-year history.

Family members, firefighters and neighbors mourned the death of the married father described as outgoing and happy, a man who never shied away from helping someone in need.

?He was just a great guy, in all ways,? said neighbor Maureen Ewasek, 80.

It?s not yet known what caused the blaze that destroyed the Electric Stick, a billiards hall in business for 20 years, and Marvaso?s Italian Grille, which has been open for 10 years.

Firefighters responded there after receiving calls about 8:17 a.m. A mayday call, indicating a firefighter in distress, was issued through the communications system about 9:30 a.m.

Mayor William Wild said Woehlke was inside when a roof collapsed. His body was recovered about 12:40 p.m.

The department is devastated, Wild said, but ?we?re focusing on the family at this point.?

?He dedicated his life to protecting the residents of Wayne and Westland, and this is a terrible loss for the firefighter?s family and our entire community,? Wild said in a statement. ?This tragedy is a reminder to us all of the sacrifice that firefighters make along with their family and friends every single day.?